A common misconception that pawrents have is that a cat will feel bored & unstimulated indoors, which is why many believe that they should allow their cats to roam.
However, if you provide your cat with ample resources, play stimulation, attention & a space to call their own, your cat has no need to explore the outdoors.
I have often been asked about my opinion on letting cats roam.
Are you sure my cat won't get bored? Should I keep my cat indoors or let him roam?
In Singapore, unfortunately there is a lack of laws protecting animals & a lack of tolerance & empathy towards animals in general.
Let us discuss 6 reasons why your cat should be kept indoors.
1. The Outdoors is Dangerous
Your cat may get into a traffic accident if he runs across the road. Outdoor cats are susceptible to various injuries that can lead to medical emergencies & hefty vet bills. I cannot begin to tell you how many cats become paralyzed or lose limbs & their independence due to a car accident. He may also be a tasty meal for predators such as snakes & monitor lizards, or wander into unfamiliar territories that pose serious risks to his safety. By keeping your cat indoors, you ensure he is protected from these potential hazards.
2. Causing disamenities to others
Outdoor cats can cause disturbances in the neighborhood by fighting with other animals, yowling, or digging in pots & plants. If you keep letting your cat out, he may try to enter your neighbour's property, poop & pee in unsavory places & may even get abused. There are too many cases wherein a roaming pet cat is abused, beaten, thrown down or killed. Keeping your cat indoors can lead to a more peaceful coexistence with neighbors. Unless you live in a big landed property with a catio to keep him safe, indoors is where he belongs.
3. Avoiding cat fight & injuries
Indoor cats tend to live longer & experience fewer health issues. Outdoor cats are more exposed to contagious diseases, parasites & accidents. By allowing your cat to roam, you are exposing him to other cats who may be carriers of viruses such as FIV, FELV & be left undefended against unsterilized & territorial cats. Your cat may come home injured, FIV/FELV positive or with open wounds. By keeping your cat indoors, you're minimizing his exposure to these health risks.
4. Rules & Regulations
In Singapore, condos have their own by-laws set by their MCST councils - i.e. an MCST has the right to disallow roaming animals on their premises. If you live in such a condo & allow your cat to roam, your cat is at risk of being trapped & removed by pest controllers engaged by the MCST.
Cats are not legally allowed in HDB flats, so why would you bring attention upon yourself by letting them roam when you are already circumventing the rule? AVS (governing body) has a Code of Animal Welfare for pet owners to abide to.
5. No control over diet or health
If your cat is allowed to roam, you will have little control over who feeds him, what pests he picks up (perhaps a crunchy cockroach or a wriggly rat) & his health will be affected. There have been cases of unhappy residents poisoning community cats & your cat will fall victim should he have the bad luck of encountering such an evil neighbour.
6. Bonding with your cat
Indoor cats often form stronger bonds with their pawrents. By spending more time together indoors, you can engage in interactive play, grooming & cuddling sessions that enhance the physical & emotional connection between you & your cat. You will be missing out on him keeping you company while you work, watch tv & protecting him from the harsh outdoors.
With that said, so long you spend quality time with your pet, catify your home with appropriate stimulation such as scratch posts, cat condos, beds, toys & fun things for him to do & love him unconditionally, there is NO reason to allow your cat to roam or for him to get bored. You do know cats sleep 12-16 hours a day anyway, right?
You can find a downloadable Infographic below or on our Instagram Page / Facebook Page @thecatwhisperersg.
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